UK CARES

Technical Approval CI/SfB (29) Et6

October 2018

Shearfix Punching
Shear Reinforcement
for the Construction Industry
 Punching Shear Reinforcement
Reinforcing Concrete Slabs at Column Heads
The weight of a slab supported
on a column induces shear
stresses in the slab. These
stresses, if sufficient and where
additional reinforcement has not
been provided, would result in
the column ‘punching’ through
the slab. This punching shear is
similarly induced in the footing
on which the column bears.
Although punching shear can be
relieved by localised thickening
of the concrete with downstand
Contents
Ancon Shearfix
Comparison with Shear Links
System Components
Design Information:
BS EN 1992 (Eurocode 2)
Large and Elongated Columns
2 Tel: +44 (0) 114 275 5224 www.ancon.co.uk
beams and enlarged column
heads, the construction of flat
slabs offers many advantages.
A consistent head space can
reduce the overall height of a
building and provide significant
time and material savings.
Used within a slab to provide
additional reinforcement around
columns, Ancon Shearfix is
the ideal solution to the design
and construction problems
associated with punching shear.
The system consists of double-
headed studs welded to flat rails,
positioned around the column
head or base. The shear load
from the slab is transferred
through the studs into the
column.
4 Design Program 8
4 Typical Rail Arrangements 10
5 Installation Procedure 10
Applications 11
6
Other Ancon Products 11
7
Established, trusted Free EC2 design BIM Objects In-house manufacture Rounded rail ends
name in concrete program & available from CARES-approved for safer handling
reinforcement technical support B500C rebar

Full material In-house, traceable Technical ISO 9001, ISO 14001

traceability batch testing Approval & OHSAS 18001
TA7-5041

3
 Shearfix Punching Shear Reinforcement
Ancon Shearfix
Used within a slab to provide additional reinforcement around columns, Ancon Shearfix is the ideal
solution to the design and construction problems associated with punching shear.
The system consists of double-headed studs welded to flat rails, positioned around the column head
or base. The shear load from the slab is transferred through the studs into the column.
Shearfix is suitable for all column shapes and is easy to install either ‘top down’ or ‘bottom up’,
depending on user preference.
Technical Approval
Shearfix has been evaluated by UK CARES for
use in reinforced concrete slabs and footings
designed in accordance with BS EN 1992
(Eurocode 2).
4 Tel: +44 (0) 114 275 5224 www.ancon.co.uk
Comparison with Shear Links
Ancon Shearfix offers many advantages
over loose shear links. Links can be time-
consuming to both design and install.
A Shearfix system is easily detailed with
Ancon’s free calculation program which
generates a layout drawing for inclusion in the
building plans and, rather than being installed
individually, these studs are supplied to site
welded to rails at the appropriate spacing.
When comparing links with studs, research
has shown that any additional material costs
incurred when purchasing a prefabricated stud
system, such as Shearfix, are generally far
outweighed by the savings from a significantly
reduced fixing time; these systems being up
to ten times quicker to install (source: British
Cement Association: Prefabricated punching shear
reinforcement for reinforced concrete flat slabs. BCA,
Camberley, 2001).
Corner column
Details for Specifying/Ordering
Shearfix systems are designed to suit the
specific load conditions at individual columns
and are therefore manufactured to order.
To specify and order an Ancon Shearfix
system, download the free design program
at www.ancon.co.uk or contact Ancon for
technical support.
The Ancon design program generates a 16
digit reference code, which can be used to
specify/order Shearfix. Alternatively, should
you wish to manually specify each rail of studs
please use the following referencing system.
e.g AS12-3-150-180
Where,
AS = Shearfix Code
12 = Stud Diameter (mm)
3 = Number of studs
150 = Stud length (mm)
180 = Stud spacing (mm)
Note: Rail supplied with end distance equivalent
to 0.5d (d = effective slab depth) where spacing
is 0.75d (0.6667xspacing). Other end distances
available upon request.
Building Information Modelling (BIM)
For a BIM Object of the Shearfix system,
please visit www.ancon.co.uk/BIM or
the NBS National BIM Library.
Project Management
Please contact Ancon if you would like help in
creating a Shearfix schedule and a programme
for delivery to suit progress on site. If advised
at the time of ordering, pallets can be packed
in priority order e.g by pour number.
Ancon’s ‘Products for Structural Concrete’
division offers a dedicated service to the
concrete sector. Contact the team on
+44 (0) 114 238 1410 with your Shearfix
enquiry.
System Components Rail
The Ancon Shearfix system comprises
double-headed studs welded to flat rails. It is
manufactured to suit the specific requirements of each
application. The quantity of each component, the
dimensions and spacings, and the layout pattern around
the column are determined by calculation. Ancon provides
free software to determine the optimum system design
Double-headed Stud 10, 12, 16,
(see pages 8-9). 20 and 25mm diameters

Shearfix Studs Spacer Bars (Optional)

Studs are manufactured in five diameters (10, Spacer bars should be used with ‘top
12, 16, 20 and 25mm) from CARES-approved down’ fixing of rails which run parallel to T1
B500C reinforcing bar. The heads are hot reinforcement. The spacer bars are tied to
forged to three times the diameter of the bar. the main T2 reinforcement where it is
Studs are manufactured in virtually any length necessary to raise the level of the studs as
to suit the depth of slab, but are normally if placed on T1 bars.
formed in increments
Product Identification
of 5mm within the 130-
Each rail of studs carries an identification code
1000mm range. The
generated by the Ancon design program. To
bar used in this system
ensure the products and documentation can Radial Layout Installation
has a characteristic yield
be cross-checked, these 16 digit reference
strength of 500N/mm2.
codes are used throughout the process from
The first and last stud
design to installation. They appear on the
from each production
calculation summary sheet, the DXF layout file,
batch is tested in-house
the parts list and on each physical rail when
to ensure the correct
delivered to site.
mechanical properties
are maintained. Rails also include other references such as
column number or floor level if provided at the
Shearfix Rails
time of ordering.
The studs are welded to the rail at the centres
determined by Ancon’s software or a design
calculation. The rail performs no structural
function but ensures stud alignment and
positioning within the slab.
Shearfix rails are manufactured from strips
of steel which are 16mm wide x 3mm thick
‘Top down’ installation. Rail is tied to
on studs up to 16mm in diameter and
the main reinforcement
20mm x 5mm on the larger two stud
diameters. The rails feature rounded ends
to reduce the risk of injury during handling.
The gap between the strips allows for the
passage of concrete during pouring and also
enables the rail to be nailed through spacers to
formwork when fixed ‘bottom up’ i.e. prior
to all other reinforcement.

5
 Shearfix Punching Shear Reinforcement

Design Information: BS EN 1992 (Eurocode 2)

The design of punching shear reinforcement is typically carried out in accordance with the
recommendations contained in BS EN 1992 (Eurocode 2). Shearfix designed to BS EN 1992 can
also be applied to structures designed to BS 8110.
The shear stress in the concrete is calculated Uout
at the column face and at the basic control
perimeter u1 (2d from the column face)
to determine whether punching shear
reinforcement is required.
If reinforcement is required, the position of u1

0d
the outer control perimeter at which shear

2.
≤
reinforcement is no longer needed (uout) is then

d
calculated. Studs are arranged to start at 0.3d

.5
0.3-0.5d

≤1
1.5d
or 0.5d from the column face to within 1.5d of max
the outer control perimeter (uout); intermediate u0
2.0d 0.75d 0.75d 0.75d
studs are positioned at 0.75d centres. The
Ancon software defaults to a stud start point of
0.5d, although 0.3d is available as an option.
A radial layout will normally provide the
most cost-effective solution and rails can be
arranged with either 30º or 45º between them.
Cruciform rail layout is also an option. The
tangential spacing between studs is kept to
within 1.5d for studs within the basic control
perimeter (u1) and 2d for studs outside the
basic control perimeter; additional secondary
rails are added as necessary to comply with
this requirement.
Ineffective shear
For internal, edge and corner columns where perimeter
be ineffective and the perimeter lengths will
lateral stability does not depend on frame
be reduced. A series of rectangular or circular
action between slabs and columns, and where
openings can be added around each column
adjacent spans differ by less than 25%, the
using the Ancon design program which
recommended β values from BS EN 1992
then calculates the required punching shear Opening
can be applied to the design shear load
reinforcement.
VEd. However, β values are most accurately
determined on a case-by-case basis, taking Design Manual
the column location, geometry and loading An Ancon Shearfix manual to BS EN 1992
conditions into account. In the Ancon software, (EC2) is available. Contact Ancon for a copy.
by applying the moments, the program Design Sheet
calculates these β values automatically. In addition to the Shearfix design program
Alternatively, the β values can be calculated (see pages 8-9), a design sheet is available
manually and input directly into the program. to download from www.ancon.co.uk, which Any opening within 6d of column
face must be considered
Openings in the slab allows engineers to summarise the critical
Where there are openings in the slab within 6d details of their project and request technical
of the column face, a section of the slab will assistance with a Shearfix design.
U0 2.0d U1 1.5d max. Uout
Top cover Top reinforcement
Stud length
Slab depth

Stud
diameter
d

Bottom cover Face of loaded area = =

0.3d 0.75d 0.75d 0.75d 0.3d
or 0.5d max. max. max. or 0.5d
6 Tel: +44 (0) 114 275 5224 www.ancon.co.uk
Large and Elongated Columns
Research1 suggests that punching shear stresses are greater at column corners than along column
edges. This effect is more pronounced for larger or elongated columns. The current Eurocode does
not explicitly recognise this effect, although the latest Model Code 20102 and other publications do.
The only limit in the current Eurocode is the aspect ratio which differentiates a column from a wall,
i.e. 1:4 (BS EN 1992-1-1, 9.5.1).
Ancon’s design program allows the designer to select between two options for dealing with large and elongated columns: “EC2” and “Best Practice”.
Ancon recommends “Best Practice” which reflects latest research findings and the rules in the widely-accepted Model Code 2010, as we believe this
to produce a more accurate design. Both options provide valid solutions, however there may be differences to the length and number of rails.

EC2
U1 U1
a1/2 a1/2 L1/2 L1/2

2d 2d
U0 U0
a
b D

L
a1/2 a1/2 L1/2 L1/2

Where: Where:
a1 = min(a,4b) L1 = min(L-D,3D)
u0 = 2a1 + 2b u0 = 2L1 + πD
u1 = 2a1 + 2b + 4πd u1 = 2L1 + π(D + 4d)

Best Practice
U1 U1
a1/2 a1/2 L1/2 L1/2
2d
2d
U0 U0
a
b1/2 b1/2 L
D
b

b1/2 b1/2
L1/2 L1/2

a1/2 a1/2

Where: Where:
a1 = min(a,4b,3d) L1 = min(L-D,3D,3d)
b1 = min(b,3d) u0 = 2L1 + πD
u0 = 2a1 + 2b1 u1 = 2L1 + π(D + 4d)
u1 = 2a1 + 2b1 + 4πd

There is no limit to the perimeter length effective in resisting punching shear of a circular column as a circular column has no ends or corners at which
the shear stresses could focus.

1 Einpaul, J., Bujnak, J., Fernandez Ruiz, M. and Muttoni, A. (2016). “Study on Influence of Column Size and Slab Slenderness on Punching
Strength” ACI Structural Journal, V. 113, No. 1, pp. 135-146
2 fib (2013). 7.3.5 Punching, Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010, pp.227-234

7
 Shearfix Punching Shear Reinforcement

Design Program (2018 Version 5 Release)

Shearfix is designed to suit the specific requirements of each application. Ancon provides a free design
program to simplify the specification and ordering of a Shearfix system. An advanced version of this
software was released in 2018, version 5.
This easy-to-use program allows the optimum Latest Features of the Ancon Shearfix Design Program
system design to be determined and
Project Management
generates a printable calculation sheet, a DXF
file and a parts list of the specified layout.
Solutions can be created for a wide range of
column sizes, shapes and locations including
columns offset from edges and corners.
The following combinations of column shape
and location are permissible in the Ancon
Shearfix Design Program.

Column shape
Column location Rectangular Circular Oval
Internal 3 3 3
Edge 3 3 3
Corner 3 3 3
Re-entrant corner 3 3 7
Wall corner 3 7 7 The Ancon Shearfix Design Program contains
Wall end 3 7 7 a calculation management tool, allowing
multiple column locations to be designed Example of multiple openings
The program allows analysis to BS EN 1992 within a single project file. The calculations can
(Eurocode 2). be arranged in a system of sub-directories to
Where there are openings close to the column, ease project management. When exporting
a section of the slab will be ineffective and design information, any number of column
perimeters will need to be reduced; the Ancon locations can be included in a bulk export as
design program allows these reductions to be a PDF calculation report, a DXF file or a PDF
applied to each perimeter. parts list.

The program requires the following information Automatic b Value Calculation

and is requested in a logical sequence as the
user works through the ‘input’ tabs:
• Column shape
(circular, rectangular or oval)
• Column dimensions
• Column location
(interior, edge, external corner, re-entrant
corner, wall corner, wall end)
• Dimension to concrete edge
(for offset corner and edge columns)
• Slab thickness
• Concrete grade
• Reinforcement size and spacing
• Cover to reinforcement
• Size and location of slab openings
• Shear load
• Applied moments
This free program can be downloaded from
www.ancon.co.uk or emailed on request.
Contact Ancon on +44 (0) 114 275 5224 or
info@ancon.co.uk.
The load eccentricity factor, b, can be
automatically calculated for any column shape
or location, provided that the designer inputs
the applied design moments.
Interactive 2D Graphic Display
A clear 2D graphic automatically updates
as data is entered, illustrating the column
and opening dimensions, and the locations
of openings relative to the column. Each
dimension can be edited via the 2D graphic or
via the main input window. Furthermore, it is
possible to ‘grab and drop’ the openings via
the 2D graphic.
Slab Openings
Any number of rectangular and circular
slab openings can be applied to a design
calculation and the software arranges the Example of multiple reinforcement layers
design solution to suit.
Slab Reinforcement Help File
Where structures contain multiple layers of A help file can be accessed by
tensile slab reinforcement, the software will clicking the ‘Help’ icon within the
automatically calculate the effective slab design program or call Ancon on
depth and reinforcement ratio associated with +44 (0) 114 238 1410 for advice.
these (a maximum of two layers of tensile
reinforcement in each orthogonal direction can
be accommodated).

8 Tel: +44 (0) 114 275 5224 www.ancon.co.uk

Radial Design Example
The PDF
datasheet
generated

Screenshot of
an oval, internal
column with
a radial stud
layout

The DXF file generated

3D view in software

Cruciform Design Example

The PDF
datasheet
generated

Screenshot of
a rectangular
column at a
re-entrant corner,
with a cruciform
stud layout

The DXF file generated

3D view in software

9
 Shearfix Punching Shear Reinforcement

Typical Rail Arrangements

Shearfix is suitable for a wide range of column shapes and locations.
Some typical arrangements are shown here.
Radial Layouts

Cruciform Layouts

Installation Procedure
Ancon Shearfix is quick and simple to install.
It can be fitted either ‘top down’ (after all other
reinforcement) or ‘bottom up’ (prior to other
reinforcement).
‘Top Down’ Fixing
• Fix all main reinforcement in position
‘Top down’ fixing
• Place Shearfix rails around the column
to the layout detailed on job drawings
by passing the studs through the
reinforcement grid and resting the carrier
rails on the top layer of reinforcement.
Use spacer bars where required –
see page 5 for details

• Tie rails with wire to main reinforcement

and pour concrete
‘Bottom Up’ Fixing
• Tie rails with wire to concrete spacers in
order to maintain cover

• Place rail and spacer units around the

column to the layout detailed on job
drawings

• Hammer nails through gap in rails to fix the

system to formwork

• Fix main reinforcement in position and

pour concrete taking care not to displace ‘Bottom up’ fixing
the studs

10 Tel: +44 (0) 114 275 5224 www.ancon.co.uk

 Applications Other Ancon Products
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
The use of reinforcing bar couplers can provide
significant advantages over lapped joints.
Design and construction of the concrete can
be simplified and the amount of reinforcement
required can be reduced. The Ancon range
includes parallel threaded, tapered threaded,
mechanically bolted and grouted couplers.

Reinforcement Continuity Systems

Ancon Eazistrip is approved by UK CARES
and consists of bent bars housed in a
galvanised steel casing. Once installed, the
Photo: University of Derby

protective cover is removed and the bars

Markeaton Street, Derby, UK
are straightened, ready for joining to the
slab reinforcement. Alternatively, Ancon KSN
Anchors are cast into the wall and, when the
formwork and thread protection are removed,
Bartec Plus threaded rebars are simply
screwed into the anchors.

Insulated Balcony Connectors

Ancon’s thermally insulated connectors
minimise heat loss at balcony locations while
maintaining structural integrity. They provide
a thermal break and most also provide local
insulation at the joint. As a critical structural
component they transfer moment, shear,
tension and compression forces. Standard
solutions are available for concrete-to-
concrete, steel-to-concrete and steel-to-steel
applications.

Shear Load Connectors

Photo: Joas Souza

Ancon DSD and ESD Shear Load Connectors

are used to transfer shear across expansion
and contraction joints in concrete. They are
Riverlight, London, UK more effective at transferring load and allowing
movement to take place than standard dowels,
and can be used to eliminate double columns
at structural movement joints in buildings.

Channel and Bolt Fixings

Ancon offers a wide range of channels and
bolts in order to fix stainless steel masonry
support, restraints and windposts to structural
frames. Cast-in channels and expansion bolts
are used for fixing to the edges of concrete
floors and beams.

Special Fabrications
Ancon designs and manufactures high
Photo: Donal McCann

integrity steel components for a wide range of

industries including Civil Engineering, Building,
Infrastructure, Water Treatment, Nuclear
and Mining. Projects are supplied worldwide
Ulster Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland
and range from small-scale residential
developments to major infrastructure projects.

11
Masonry Support Systems
Lintels
Masonry Reinforcement
Windposts and Parapet Posts
Wall Ties and Restraint Fixings
Channel and Bolt Fixings
Tension and Compression Systems
Insulated Balcony Connectors
Shear Load Connectors
Punching Shear Reinforcement
Reinforcing Bar Couplers
Reinforcement Continuity Systems
Stainless Steel Fabrications
Flooring and Formed Sections
Refractory Fixings
Ancon Ltd
President Way, President Park
Sheffield S4 7UR
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 114 275 5224
Fax: +44 (0) 114 276 8543
Email: info@ancon.co.uk
Visit: www.ancon.co.uk
Ancon (Middle East) FZE
PO Box 17225
Jebel Ali
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 (0) 4 883 4346
Fax: +971 (0) 4 883 4347
Email: info@ancon.ae
Visit: www.ancon.ae
These products are available from:
© Ancon
Ancon Building Products Ancon (Schweiz) AG Ancon GmbH
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Mount Druitt 3250 Lyss 90489 Nuremberg
Sydney NSW 2770 Switzerland Germany
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Email: info@ancon.com.au Visit: www.ancon.ch Visit: www.anconbp.de
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Hillsborough Puchgasse 1
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New Zealand Austria
Tel: +64 (0) 3 376 5205 Tel: +43 (0) 1 259 58 62-0
Fax: +64 (0) 3 376 5206 Fax: +43 (0) 1 259 58 62-40
Email: info@ancon.co.nz Email: info@ancon.at
Visit: www.ancon.co.nz Visit: www.ancon.at
The construction applications and details provided in this literature are indicative only. In every case, project working
details should be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced persons.
Whilst every care has been exercised in the preparation of this document to ensure that any advice, recommendations or
information is accurate, no liability or responsibility of any kind is accepted in respect of Ancon.
With a policy of continuous product development Ancon reserves the right to modify product design and specification
without due notice.